United States Navy Rank Structure (Simple)

Intro

This is a simple guide to the United States Navy Rank Structure. It does not account for the rates currently in use by enlisted Sailors. For more information on the rate structure please see United States Navy Rate and Rank Structure

Enlisted Ranks and Insignia

Enlisted ranks are divided into three groups: general rates (E1 to E3), petty officers (E4 to E6) and chief petty officers (E7-E9). Sailors in the general rates are apprentice level Sailors can be designated to a specific job or undesignated and work in any occupational field. Petty Officers are technicians and supervisors and are comparable to journeyman level tradesmen. Chief Petty Officers are supervisors, technicians and administrators and comparable to master level tradesman.

Warrant Officer Ranks and Insignia

Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) are technical specialists who are picked from Chief Petty Officers or Chief Petty Officer selectees with at least 12 but no more than 22 years of service. CWOs work with both enlisted technicians and other officers to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Even though they are primarily technicians, CWOs can also serve as division officers, department heads or Officers-in-Charge. CWOs are commissioned through the CWO Academy.

Officer Ranks and Insignia

Naval Officers act as leaders and management in the Navy. Medical personnel, lawyers, engineers and pilots are also commissioned as officers. Most commissioned officers have bachelor's degrees and earn their commission through the Naval Academy, Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Development School (ODS). The only officer program that does not require a bachelor's degree is the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program for enlisted Sailors. LDOs are selected from E-6 to E-8 sailors with at least 8 but no more than 16 years of service and commission through the LDO Academy.

Similar to enlisted Sailors officers are divided into three groups junior officers (O1 to O4), senior officers (O5 to O6) and flag officers (O7 to O10). Junior officers are typically in charge of divisions. Senior officers can be in charge of departments or work as executive or commanding officer. Flag grade officers are the most senior officers in the Navy and can serve as commanding officers of larger ships and commands, operating forces, fleets or as senior military advisers.